Extreme Weather and the

The summer of 2010-11 brought unprecedented weather conditions to . was one of the most powerful cyclones to have affected the Great Barrier Reef since records commenced, while South East Queensland experienced intense rainfall, up to 400 per cent higher than normal. These extreme weather events damaged coral reefs and seagrass beds, leading to additional pressures on important species such as dugong and green turtle. They also had implications for the industries and communities that depend on the Reef, including direct damage to infrastructure and impacts to natural resources. Coral reefs have a natural ability to recover from extreme weather impacts, enabling the Reef to bounce back from these events. While the Great Barrier Reef is expected to cope with the impacts of climate change better than most coral reefs around the world, the spate of severe floods and intensity of recent cyclones will test its resilience. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority implemented the Extreme Weather Response Program to better understand the impacts of extreme weather on the Great Barrier Reef and help Reef industries and communities prepare for future extreme weather events. Climate scientists predict increased frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding and intense cyclones as a result of climate change. The effects of recent extreme weather events highlight the need for effective management and active stewardship. Insights from the Extreme Weather Response Program are being used to guide the focus of management into the future and to help build the resilience of the Reef and its industries and regional communities to climate change. What was so “extreme” about the summer of 2010-11?

Summer is always a period of heightened The summer of 2010-11 risk for the Great Barrier Reef. Warmer conditions bring the threat of high sea temperatures that can cause coral bleaching • Cyclone Yasi was the first category five cyclone to cross the coast since 1918. and wet seasons with strong monsoonal conditions can result in large flood plumes • South East Queensland experienced and damaging cyclones. rainfall 300-400 per cent higher than average. While regional climate processes such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cause seasonal weather patterns to swing between clear/dry (El Niño) and cloudy/wet prevalence of coral bleaching in El Niño (La Niña), global climate change is altering summers and more damage from floods and the underlying conditions. Already, we are cyclones during La Niña years. seeing patterns consistent with predicted The summer of 2010-11 featured an effects of climate change: an increased unusually strong La Niña event. It brought exceptional weather across , resulting in the second wettest summer on record. In South East Queensland, the summer saw intense and devastating floods. North Queensland experienced Yasi’s very destructive winds and a powerful surge. In combination, the summer of 2010-11 had brought conditions unprecedented in the history of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This was not the only wet and windy summer for the Great Barrier Reef. Three Flooding in the Great Barrier Reef catchment during of the last four summers have all had above summer 2010-11 created persistent flood plumes average rainfall in eastern Queensland from the Fitzroy, Burnett and Mary Rivers. associated with La Niña conditions.

About this report

The Great Barrier Reef Extreme Weather Program assisted us to understand what extreme cyclones and floods mean for the Reef and the people who depend on it. It also helped target efforts to support recovery of damaged areas and build the resilience of the Reef over the longer term. This report presents key findings from the Program and profiles management and stewardship efforts that have been put in place to help the Reef cope with the after-effects of extreme weather. It also provides an overview of extreme weather in the context of climate change and the long-term outlook for the Reef and its management.

2 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef The cumulative effects of these wet seasons have meant that some sensitive species (such as corals, seagrasses, green turtle and dugong) were particularly vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions that occurred in the summer of 2010-11. Why is extreme weather a problem for coral reefs?

Cyclonic winds and floodwaters can have severe impacts on coral reef ecosystems. Floodwaters entering the Great Barrier Reef can cause stress to inshore ecosystems Large, intense cyclones, such as cyclone Yasi, can through reduced salinity, increased have impacts that affect large areas and last for decades, if not centuries. turbidity and elevated concentrations of nutrients and agricultural chemicals. Corals and seagrasses provide essential Prolonged exposure can lead to death in habitat and food for many other species such some species, especially sessile (attached) as fish, turtles and dugong; their loss can organisms such as corals and seagrasses. have flow-on effects through the system.

Cyclone Yasi crossed the Great Barrier Reef near , exposing the coast and adjacent areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to wind gusts up to 285 km/h. Extensive flooding resulted in persistent floodplumes in the central and southern Great Barrier Reef.

What was so “extreme” about the summer of 2010-11? 3 Six severe cyclones have impacted the Great Barrier Reef since 2005. The greater frequency of extreme weather events will reduce the time for reefs to recover between disturbances.

Some species, especially various types Tropical cyclones affect coral reefs of algae and crown-of-thorns starfish, can in different ways. Cyclones cause actually benefit from the increased input exceptionally strong winds which of materials (e.g. nutrients), leading to generate powerful waves that crash onto imbalances in the system. shallow reef areas and create damaging turbulence in deeper areas. Flood plumes, caused by the intense rainfall that often accompanies cyclones, can expose large areas to stressful changes in water quality. Particularly intense and large cyclones, such as cyclone Yasi, can also cause destructive currents as huge amounts of water are driven by sustained winds and waves. Through the direct forces of waves and currents, and the impacts of sand and rubble tossed around by underwater turbulence, Cyclones cause strong winds that generate powerful cyclones can cause extensive damage to waves, damaging turbulence and destructive currents. They can also cause intense rainfall and flooding. corals and the underlying reef structure.

4 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Cyclones can cause severe damage to coral and the underlying reef structure through the direct forces of waves and currents, and the impacts of sand and rubble tossed around by underwater turbulence.

At reefs exposed to the full force of a cyclone further from the centre of intense cyclones, there can be near-complete destruction damage is generally less severe. Patches of of the coral community and associated reef may still be denuded by the cyclone’s species, leaving a barren and pulverised reef force, but these are usually outnumbered by substrate. For weaker cyclones or at reefs the many patches of surviving coral.

At the worst affected sites (pictured right) the impact of waves and wave-borne debris removed almost all traces of sessile (attached) marine life down to at least 15 m depth. However, damage was patchy and areas of healthy reef (pictured left) were observed even within the region exposed to very destructive winds.

What was so “extreme” about the summer of 2010-11? 5 The Cardwell foreshore was significantly damaged by Yasi’s very destructive winds and powerful . Image © Dieter Tracey.

Cyclones can also damage seagrasses Cyclones and floods in historical context and other coastal habitats such as The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem mangroves and wetlands. Seagrasses has evolved under a natural regime of in the intertidal zone can be ripped up cyclones and floods, so in many ways by large waves, while deeper seagrass severe weather is ‘normal’. Between 1995 meadows can be scoured by strong and 2009 approximately 34 per cent of currents. Mangroves and wetlands can all coral mortality recorded in long-term suffer the effects of fierce winds and monitoring1 of the Great Barrier Reef is unusual or prolonged inundation. attributable to storm damage.

130 000 120 000 110 000 100 000 90 000 80 000 70 000 60 000 50 000 40 000 30 000 Fertiliser applied (tonnes) 20 000 10 000 0 1975 1935 1940 1955 1960 1970 1915 1920 1930 1950 1990 1995 2005 1910 1985 1945 1965 1925 1980 2000

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Sediments carried into the Great Barrier Reef by There has been a large increase in the amount of floodwaters can settle out and smother corals and fertilisers used in Great Barrier Reef catchments over other animals and plants attached to the seabed. the last century. Elevated levels of nutritents and Image © Steve Spring | Marine Photobank. sediments entering the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem are reducing its resilience.

1 Australian Institute of Marine Science Long Term Monitoring Program

6 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Seagrasses provide important habitat and food for other species. Recent floods and cyclones have added to the cumulative impacts of multiple, harsh wet seasons, reducing the resilience of seagrass. Image © Dieter Tracey.

However, recent conditions are causing reefs and seagrass meadows becomes unprecedented challenges for the Great increasingly important. Chronic stresses Barrier Reef. The floodwaters now entering from reduced water quality can hinder the Great Barrier Reef carry chemicals recovery of damaged seabed communities. (nutrients and pesticides) and quantities of Therefore, the combined effect of increased sediments that would not have occurred flooding and more severe means prior to European settlement. Severe efforts to restore the natural resilience of cyclones are predicted to occur more important habitats such as coral reefs and frequently as the climate warms, bringing a seagrass meadows are more important future where the recovery potential of coral than ever before.

What was so “extreme” about the summer of 2010-11? 7 Beneath the surface: extreme weather impacts on the Reef

The extreme weather events of 2010-11 Reefs feel the brunt of extreme weather caused a range of impacts to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Fortunately, the Coral reefs were affected by both flooding major tourism areas off Port Douglas, and cyclone Yasi with many inshore reef and Airlie Beach were spared areas experiencing some stress from flood­ serious damage. However, while the effects waters during 2010-11. The exceptionally of these events were patchy, the combined large volumes of water flowing from rivers damage from floods and cyclone Yasi in South East Queensland had the greatest spans a large area and the most severely potential to cause lasting damage. damaged reefs could take decades to recover. Many of the impacts were The worst effects of the flooding were immediate and direct, such as broken coral confined to inshore reefs close to the mouths from cyclone-driven waves and seagrass of major rivers. Surveys of coral reefs in meadows scoured by flood plumes. Other the Keppel Bay region, near the mouth of impacts are indirect and will take time to the Fitzroy River, showed floodwaters had fully manifest. These include the effect of caused severe damage to shallow reef areas. damaged seagrass meadows on dugong Reefs fringing the mainland sides of islands and green turtle populations and the potential had the greatest exposure to floodwaters, effects on seabirds impacted by changes to and it was here that up to 85-100 per cent of islands and cays used for nesting. corals were killed.

There can be near-complete destruction of coral communities at reefs exposed to the full force of a cyclone.

8 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef 146°E 148°E 150°E

No Damage Minor Coral Damage Moderate Coral Damage High Coral Damage = Minor Reef Damage Severe Coral Damage = Moderate Reef Damage Extreme Coral Damage = High Reef Damage 16°S -150km 16°S n=40

-100km n=106

-50km n=191 CAIRNS

GORDONVALE n=149

INNISFAIL 50km n=85 MISSION BEACH

TULLY HEADS 100km 18°S n=81 18°S

CARDWELL 150km n=78

INGHAM 200km n=36

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20°S BOWEN (10 Feb - 17 Mar 2011) 20°S n=81 Number of Surveys AIRLIE BEACH > 5 Cyclone track Distance from track Great Barrier Reef Marine Park boundary Indicative Reef boundary

TC Yasi Wind Strength 0 ´50 100 Gale Force winds Kilometres MACKAY Destructive winds Map Projection: Unprojected Geographic Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia, 1994 Very destructive winds CycloneTracks: SDC110201s - 9 December 2011 146°E 148°E 150°E

Cyclone Yasi caused patchy damage along 400 km of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 85 per cent of coral reef habitat in the Marine Park escaped largely undamaged by the cyclone, including the major tourism areas. However, approximately six per cent suffered severe damage.

Beneath the surface: extreme weather impacts on the reef 9 Hamish in the last few years), it is likely storm damage now accounts for the largest share of coral mortality on the Reef over the past two decades. Coral trout catches dive in wake of cyclone

Many commercial fishers reported dramatic declines in catch rates of coral trout at shallow reef areas affected by cyclone Yasi. Follow-up research found this was not related to a change in the abundance of coral trout, but rather appeared to be explained by a decrease in the ‘catchability’ of these fish. These results are consistent with the effects reported following in 2009. Underwater surveys of shallow reefs (less than 20 m) offshore Townsville found the numbers of adult coral trout in Marine Cyclones are major disturbances to coral reefs, causing National Park (Green) Zones – which damage to individual corals, entire coral communities, are closed to fishing – had not been and also to the structure of the Reef itself. affected by cyclone Yasi. In contrast, the research documented a large decline in the While the reefs of the Keppel Bay region abundance of adult coral trout at nearby have historically shown an impressive reefs open to fishing (Habitat Protection resilience to impacts from floods and coral (Blue) Zones) since previous surveys. The bleaching, recovery at the most severely very low numbers of adult fish in Blue Zones damaged sites will take many years. compared with Green Zones suggests that Cyclone Yasi is one of the most damaging Blue Zone reefs off Townsville have received single events to affect the Reef in the substantial additional fishing pressure since last 100 years. It caused patchy damage the last surveys. This is likely to be the result across offshore, mid-shelf and inshore of a northward movement of the southern reefs along 400 km of the northern commercial fishing fleet in response to Great Barrier Reef. Damage was largely depressed catch rates on reefs affected by confined to an area south of Cairns cyclone Hamish. to around Townsville, sparing major Most commercial fishing activity targeting tourism areas. Overall, approximately coral trout takes place in shallower six per cent of reef habitat in the Great waters. Although the post-Yasi surveys Barrier Reef Marine Park suffered severe were restricted to these relatively shallow damage (most corals broken or removed). areas of the Reef, anecdotal reports from Approximately 85 per cent of coral reef recreational and commercial fishers who habitat in the Marine Park escaped largely fish deeper shoals suggest that populations undamaged by the cyclone. of coral trout may have been less impacted Cyclone Yasi was not the only major in these deeper habitats. In combination cyclone to affect the Great Barrier Reef in with the Marine National Park Zones, recent years. In fact, four other category these refugia will play an important role five cyclones have affected the Reef in the recovery of coral trout populations already this century (compared with only in shallow areas affected by intense two last century – both in 1918). As a fishing pressure. The research reinforces result of the large scale impact of these the importance of Green Zones for the cyclones (especially cyclones Yasi and protection of coral trout populations.

10 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef ago were found to be almost completely barren following cyclone Yasi. The difficult task of assessing the full extent of seagrass loss is continuing, but it is likely there will be more seagrass lost as the long-term impacts of flooding manifest. The rate of seagrass decline depends on the type of seagrass community, with some species of seagrass able to tolerate longer periods of light limitation than other species.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is Recovery rates are also highly variable. continuing to work with fishers, peak industry bodies Some meadows with intact seed banks or and management agencies to understand the effects remnant plants can show strong recovery of extreme weather events on fish populations. in a year or so, while other slower-growing species and areas with diminished seed Overall, the results indicate that coral banks may not recover for decades. trout remain prominent components of the fish community throughout the areas affected by extreme weather, even though specific sectors of the commercial fishing industry have been impacted by depressed catch rates. Monitoring of recovery and further research are continuing, including a coral trout tagging program. This work will help fishers and management agencies better understand the implications of extreme weather on fish populations and inform management arrangements that can further Increased monitoring of seagrass beds is aiming to improve the ecological sustainability of the better understand the status of this habitat which is a vital food source for species such as dugong and green turtle. coral reef finfish fishery. The effects of the extreme weather events Seagrass meadows in decline follow a series of stressful wet seasons for seagrasses. Prior to the 2010-11 summer, Seagrass meadows are vitally important to the many intertidal seagrass meadows had Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. They are also shown a trend of declining abundance2.1 vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather. In combination, these observations indicate Preliminary survey results indicate the that seagrasses, and the species that extensive and prolonged floods have depend on them, are especially vulnerable caused significant damage to important to changing conditions and will require seagrass meadows in the southern Great increased management focus in coming Barrier Reef. Cyclone Yasi also damaged years. It is critical that monitoring and seagrass meadows. There are indications research continue to build knowledge of that many shallow water or intertidal the status and trends of this very important meadows suffered severe scouring within habitat and the options for building their the area affected by gale force winds. resilience in a changing climate. Deepwater surveys using remotely-operated 2 Marine Monitoring Program report: vehicles indicate cyclone Yasi may even www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/7677/ have damaged seagrass meadows down to RRMMP_Seagrass_annual_report_2009_10.pdf Reef Plan Report Card: at least 30m depth: deepwater sites known www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/measuring-success/report- to have lush seagrass meadows five years cards/first-report-card.aspx

Beneath the surface: extreme weather impacts on the reef 11 Dugong and turtle lose food supplies Stranding reports for green turtles in Queensland are also significantly higher Dugong and green turtles are almost than previous years. Reported deaths entirely reliant on seagrasses for their for 2011 up to November were 1275 nutrition. This strong dependency has compared with 754 for the same period in meant dugong and green turtles have the previous year. Green turtles are able also suffered from the 2010-11 summer’s extreme weather. to partially compensate for decreased seagrass availability by eating algae and Information received through the Marine mangrove leaves and by having relatively Strandings Program reveals a dramatic low energy demands. While this enables increase in the number of dead turtles them to cope with declines in seagrass and dugong reported from beaches better than dugong, the lower nutritional in areas affected by extreme weather. value of these foods renders them more Dugong deaths following cyclone Yasi susceptible to ill health and death. and the floods were much higher than any previous year for which there are records. It is likely the impacts of the extreme One hundred and eighty one strandings weather of 2010-11 on dugong and were reported up until November 2011 green turtles are being exacerbated compared to 85 for the same period in the by the longer-term decline in seagrass previous year. Due to chronic pressures abundance. As a result, experts are and slow reproduction rates, dugong predicting the increase in dugong populations were only just beginning and turtle deaths may be a trend that to stabilise after an extended period of continues at least into 2012. Reversal decline. Experts are concerned the losses of this trend will require substantial following extreme weather events could recovery of seagrass meadows as well have a significant bearing on the long-term vulnerability of dugong, at least in waters as careful management of other risks to south of Cooktown. these species.

Dugong depend almost entirely on seagrass for food. The poor nutritional condition of stranded dugongs suggests that many deaths are associated with the decline in seagrass following extreme weather events.

12 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Further research is under way to track even in areas affected by cyclone the movements of green turtles as Yasi. This work will improve our they search for suitable feeding areas. understanding of changes in distribution Initial results show green turtles are and behaviour so managers can better concentrating their movements at target efforts to minimise avoidable risks particular sites, indicating they are and support recovery of dugong and locating suitable seagrass meadows green turtle populations.

200 2011 180 2010 2011 2009 160 140 120 100 2010 80 2009 60

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800 © Liz Wallace | Marine Photobank 2010 600

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0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec MONTH

Reports of dugong strandings in 2011 were much higher than any previous year for which there are records. Dugongs are thought to be suffering the effects of declining seagrass meadows, despite improvements in their level of protection. Reported turtle strandings in 2011 are significantly higher than in previous years. Green turtles are also being affected by loss of seagrasses, but they can supplement their diet somewhat with algae and mangrove leaves.

Beneath the surface: extreme weather impacts on the reef 13 Islands and beaches

Islands provide habitat for a diversity of terrestrial species and are a critical breeding habitat for marine species such as seabirds and marine turtles. Many island features are vulnerable to extreme weather, with forest habitats and nesting beaches susceptible to cyclone impacts and ecosystems at risk from pest introductions facilitated by floodwaters. Island surveys confirmed cyclone Yasi caused extensive damage to vegetation. Large trees and entire sections of rainforest were destroyed on islands exposed to very destructive winds, resulting in the loss of food and habitat for many animals that rely on island forests. Numbers of breeding pied imperial pigeon on North Brook Island in 2011 are less than ten per cent of previous years, Many island habitats were denuded by the suggesting the island or mainland feeding destructive winds of cyclone Yasi. Rainforest and habitats are too damaged to support bushland birds are expected to recover as the vegetation re-establishes. normal breeding. Cyclone Yasi, possibly in combination with and sand spits on many islands. These cyclone Anthony, caused the formation of changes impacted turtles and seabirds new rubble cays on some reefs and the that use these sandy areas. Breeding loss of some sandy cays. The erosion of was disrupted on affected islands, with shorelines by waves has changed beaches loss of eggs and chicks recorded.

Over 900 islands in the Great Barrier Reef provide habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants and essential breeding areas for seabirds and marine turtles.

14 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Michalmas Cay, a very important area for seabird breeding and tourism, lost half of its available nesting habitat. The effects on seabirds will continue until there is substantial recovery of these habitats. Large amounts of marine debris, including vegetation, logs, damaged vessels and infrastructure, were reported to have washed up on islands impacted by floodwaters. The debris increases the risk that mainland pest species are transferred onto islands. Island vegetation is already showing early signs of recovery, with abundant re- Cyclones can have direct effects such as bird shooting from broken stems and seeds on mortality, as well as indirect effects such as reduced nesting success. many islands. However, there is concern that weeds will slow, or prevent, full Islands are also an important focus for recovery in some areas. Sections of fringing people visiting the Great Barrier Reef, with mangroves killed by cyclone Yasi will take many receiving high numbers of visitors many years to recover, although foliage is annually. Key infrastructure, such as landing quickly sprouting on surviving trees. facilities and walking tracks, were damaged Rainforest and bushland birds on islands by cyclone Yasi. Queensland Parks and are expected to recover as the vegetation Wildlife Service repaired these as a priority re-establishes. Turtles and seabirds are and some key sites were operational within likely to adjust to changes in beaches and a few weeks after the cyclone. Others, like islands over time, although there is the the Thorsborne Trail on risk that breeding success in the coming and facilities on Dunk Island have taken season will still be affected. Further surveys months just to clear and re-open. Some of are planned to assess longer-term impacts the restoration work will not be completed on these species at key locations. for another 12 months.

“Cyclone Yasi really battered some of our national parks, especially the islands and coastal areas close to the . Some of our no-anchoring and zoning markers which have concrete anchors weighing hundreds of kilograms, were found several kilometres from their normal spot. We were worried about the impact on walking tracks, day use facilities and camp grounds on the islands. These are important to local communities and tourism operators, so we have tried to get these cleared and available for use again as quickly as we can.”

Richard Quincey Regional Manager Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Beneath the surface: extreme weather impacts on the reef 15 The human dimension: implications for Reef industries

Extreme weather doesn’t just affect the tourism operators did suffer impacts ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef; it also following the extreme weather. Many impacts the industries and communities that businesses – especially those affected depend on them. Insights into the social and directly by cyclone Yasi – lost operating economic impacts can help Reef industries days due to damaged infrastructure and communities better prepare for future such as vessels, berthing facilities and events, and identify ways they can support shore-based facilities. There were 1.58 the recovery of the Reef in the wake of million visitor days to the Marine Park in extreme weather impacts. Understanding the 2010-11 financial year, a 10 per cent the consequences for Reef industries and decline from the previous year. Much of communities is also important for effective the tourism industry is reliant on access to conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, as healthy reefs to present to their visitors. changes in patterns of use following extreme weather events can create new ‘hotspots’ of For many tourism operators a decline in pressure on the ecosystem. overall visitation to the region was the source of most economic hardship. Following cyclone Yasi and the floods, a rapid assessment of social and economic impacts on the commercial tourism and fishing industries evaluated the effects of these events on Reef- dependent industries. Tourism operators

The Great Barrier Reef marine tourism industry is a significant contributor to regional economies along the Great Barrier Reef coast. This makes the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry particularly vulnerable to declines in reef health.

The extreme weather events of the 2010-11 summer did not cause serious damage to the major tourism destinations off Port Douglas, Cairns and Airlie Beach. Minor damage was reported at some fragile reef sites as far as 500 km from the eye of cyclone Yasi, but the majority of tourism sites were providing high-quality

reef experiences for visitors within days The extreme weather events of 2010-11 did not following cyclone Yasi. cause serious damage to major tourism destinations off Port Douglas, Cairns and Airlie Beach. Despite Despite minimal damage to major tourism minimal damage to reef tourism sites, many tourism destinations and popular reef sites, operators still suffered economic impacts.

16 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef The social and economic surveys revealed many tourism operators believe the high profile of cyclone Yasi and the floods in local and international media gave the impression the entire Great Barrier Reef was severely damaged, causing tourists to postpone or cancel their plans for travel to the region. Although the vast majority of Reef tourism operations and destinations were fully operational within days following cyclone Yasi, industry sources reported visitors from outside the region (especially internationally) perceived the The extreme weather during summer 2010-11 caused Great Barrier Reef as being unlikely to major disruptions to road, rail and air transport links provide a good tourism experience as a across Queensland forcing many visitors to delay their travel to the region. Image © Dieter Tracey. result of cyclone Yasi and the South East Queensland floods. their travel plans and bypass or curtail The tourism industry was also affected by their stay in the Great Barrier Reef region. the disruption to normal transport routes Reduced opportunities for seasonal work across Queensland. Impacts on air, rail in agricultural sectors damaged by cyclone and road networks from the extreme Yasi also contributed to reduced visitation weather events forced visitors to change to the region.

“We were open for business soon after cyclone Yasi, but the slump in visitation, on the back of the impacts of the global financial crisis and the strong Australian dollar, nearly crushed us. We’ve made it through this season, at least – due to diversification in our family business and Hinchinbrook Island being opened in June, which is a big part of our winter tours. Tourists are coming back to the area, but some of our key destinations like The Family Islands, especially Dunk Island, need work before we can take visitors there. For now, we are still in the game, but I’m worried about the future of our sea kayaking business. Mission Beach has so much potential - I hope we can make it through.”

Atalanta Willy Kayaking

The human dimension: Implications for reef industries 17 Some of the impacts of the tourism downturn were offset by the influx of workers involved in the post-Yasi recovery efforts. However, this tended to assist accommodation and restaurant businesses rather than reef-based tourism operations. The surveys also found the impacts of the extreme weather events were significantly exacerbated by the underlying downward trend in tourism visitation to the Great Barrier Reef region associated with global economic conditions and other externalities. Commercial fishers

Many Reef tourism businesses lost operating days Commercial fishers suffered a range of due to damage to infrastructure including vessels, berthing facitlities, jetties, and shore-based facilities. impacts following the extreme weather of summer 2010-11. The effects of cyclone A number of northern Great Barrier Reef Yasi on coral trout catches were a major island tourism resorts were very badly impact on many Reef-dependant fishing damaged by the cyclones that occurred in businesses. In addition to decreased catch rates, cyclone Yasi reduced the summer of 2010-2011 and were closed the ability of fishers to access fishing while damage was repaired. Resorts at locations, compromised water quality Dunk and Bedarra islands have been and created debris that caused damage most severely damaged, and both remain to fishing gear. Fishing businesses also closed and are unlikely to re-open in the suffered damage to vessels and land- immediate future. based infrastructure.

“Cyclone Yasi was a big hit for us and only a couple of years after Larry smashed us. It’s hard to catch fish after cyclones. Between low catch rates out on the reef, rivers choked with logs and freshwater and having to spend time fixing up the house – it was hell for a while. But luckily we had been diversifying our businesses. My wife’s gym business kept some cash coming in, and my new aquarium collecting business will help us get over the slump in the other fisheries. It’s not easy, but I love fishing, and want to make it work as a business and a lifestyle so I am always thinking about ways to minimise risks.”

Glenn Murray (left; with Steve Howe), Commercial Fisher

18 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Cyclone Yasi led to decreased catch rates of some fish species, including coral trout. The cyclone also reduced the ability of fishers to access fishing locations, compromised water quality and created debris that caused damage to fishing gear.

In the southern Great Barrier Reef, the following cyclone Yasi and the floods, as major flooding in South East Queensland this enabled some fishers to switch to affected inshore fishers, especially those other target species (such as mudcrabs or targeting mudcrabs and barramundi. barramundi) or focus on other (non-fishing) Catches of both of these species increased business interests to maintain income while in many locations due to favourable coral trout catches were low. Fishers who conditions caused by strong freshwater have managed to adopt these resilience- flows into estuarine systems. building strategies are likely to have an Research revealed some commercial improved business outlook in the wake of fishers have strategies in place to build extreme weather impacts. However, most resilience to unpredictable events such fishers expect to suffer some level of as extreme weather. Diversification financial hardship for an extended period proved a particularly important strategy as a result of cyclone Yasi.

The human dimension: Implications for reef industries 19 Bouncing back: building the Reef’s resilience

The Great Barrier Reef is a dynamic rather than decades. Climate scientists are ecosystem that is naturally resilient to concerned that climate change could cause severe weather events such as cyclones an increase in the frequency of extreme and floods. However, mounting local and intensity storms, potentially making these global pressures mean many aspects of the very rare events more common in the future. Great Barrier Reef system are under growing stress, potentially undermining its resilience. Yet, cyclones are not the only risk predicted The implications of the extreme weather to increase as the climate changes. Coral events of 2010-11 have caused lasting bleaching events, already attributed with impacts, but they also create an opportunity causing severe and lasting damage to to learn about ways managers, Reef 18 per cent of the world’s coral reefs, are industries, researchers, Traditional Owners projected to increase in frequency and and the community can help the Reef be severity as global average temperatures rise resilient to the effects of extreme weather over the course of this century. events and a changing climate. While the Great Barrier Reef is healthier Reef recovery and more resilient than most coral reefs around the world, the cumulative While storms are a normal part of the Great effects of climate change and coastal Barrier Reef environment, cyclones of Yasi’s development mean coral reefs around the intensity and size have historically been rare globe will be damaged more often and events, recurring on timescales of centuries, spending more time in recovery.

Coral reefs can regenerate from surviving patches of healthy coral but chronic stresses from reduced water quality can hinder recovery of damaged reefs. Image © Jeffrey Maynard.

20 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef Although pressures from climate change are largely beyond the control of marine managers, modelling studies clearly show effective management of local stresses such as pollution and overfishing will play an increasingly crucial role in the fate of coral reefs. In recognition of the growing pressures associated with extreme weather events and climate change, the GBRMPA and its partners are focused on restoring the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. Major initiatives include the Australian Government’s Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, which aims to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef, the rezoning of the Reef in 2004 (which increased the coverage of no fishing areas from five per cent to 33 per cent) and widespread efforts to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Commercial fishers are working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to reduce For reefs in healthy conditions, signs of pressures on dugong and turtles by changing their new coral growth and recovery can be netting practices. often seen within a few years. However, full recovery of a coral reef community can damage from extreme weather, and to take more than a decade, even for offshore provide early warning of new issues that reefs, which are less affected by degraded might be a concern for the Reef’s health. water quality. Efforts to build the resilience Individual operators and tourism associations of the Great Barrier Reef will be crucially are also working in partnership with managing important to the ability of reefs to recover agencies to ensure arrangements and from future impacts. mechanisms are in place to promptly Partnerships in resilience respond to industry needs as a result of an environmental incident such as a cyclone Reef industries, researchers, communities or coral bleaching. and Traditional Owners are all key partners The control of crown-of-thorns starfish is in the protection and care of the Great a direct way in which individual tourism Barrier Reef and many are proactively operators are supporting Reef resilience. taking steps to support the resilience of the Crown-of-thorn starfish are a natural Reef in the wake of the extreme weather predator of corals on the Great Barrier events of 2010-11. Reef and scientific research has shown the Tourism operators protect reef resilience devastating outbreaks over recent decades are linked to an increase in nutrients The Reef tourism industry is a key partner entering the Reef. While there are strategic in Marine Park management and is working programs to improve water quality on a in partnership with the GBRMPA to build Reef-wide scale, the Reef tourism industry the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and has invested large efforts in limiting the improve responses to extreme weather local-scale impacts of the starfish through events. For example, through the integrated control programs focused on important Eye on the Reef program, tourism operators tourism sites. These efforts have been and other reef visitors have been helping beneficial to tourism businesses operating in managers assess the spatial extent of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Bouncing back: Building the Reef’s resilience 21 Aquarium collectors: stewardship in action Aquarium fishers demonstrated their stewardship of local resources through a self-imposed moratorium on collecting at reefs affected by the South East Queensland floods. Many of the reefs in the Keppel Bay region are important to the commercial fishers that collect corals and fish for the aquarium trade. Pro-vision Reef, the peak body for these aquarium fishers, collaborated with management agencies Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks can impede to activate their Stewardship Action Plan the recovery of the Reef. The COTS control program run following reports of damage to Keppel Bay by the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry is ensuring reefs. Aquarium fishers also assisted in localised protection at valuable tourism sites. the collection of information on the Reef’s condition by providing the first underwater It is possible that local-scale starfish images of reefs after the floods. control could provide important, wider ecological benefits to reefs struggling to recover from storm damage. As part of the response to the extreme weather impacts, GBRMPA has partnered with the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators to reinvigorate the crown-of- thorns starfish control program, including new equipment to increase the industry’s capacity to remove starfish from multiple high use tourism locations and to extend control work into other areas. Aquarium collectors enacted a self-imposed Commercial fishers tag trout for moratorium on collecting at damaged reefs in the the future Keppel Bay region. Image © Richard Fitzpatrick. Commercial fishers are participating in Traditional Owners caring for sea country a tag and release program to help the industry and management agencies Traditional use activities in the Great Barrier learn more about coral trout before and Reef Marine Park are managed under the after extreme weather events. Tags and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, and the tagging kits have been distributed to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983. Reef Guardian Fishers, enabling baseline The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan information on coral trout growth, survival 2003 recognises that under section 211 of the and movement to be obtained from a Native Title Act 1993, Native Title holders may number of reefs throughout the Marine undertake traditional use of marine resources in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Park. Information from the tagging program will contribute to the ecologically While Traditional Owners have Native Title sustainable management of coral trout. rights to conduct traditional use activities, many Traditional Owners share conservation Commercial fishers have also been helping concerns due to the combined effects of to reduce pressures on turtles and dugong. extreme weather events, boat strikes, In stranding ‘hot-spots’ fishers have altered coastal development, habitat degradation, their netting practices to minimise the risk netting and pollution that impact on marine of animals being caught in nets. environments and resources.

22 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef “We share the community’s concern about these species [green turtles and dugong]. Our decision to temporarily suspend hunting in our sea country is our way of directly supporting the Great Barrier Reef that has been important to our people for over 60,000 years.”

Phil Rist Nywaigi Traditional Owner and CEO Girringun Aboriginal Corporation

Some Traditional Owner groups are actively who are visiting the Reef or adjacent engaged with the Great Barrier Reef Marine coastline, managers can get a better idea Park Authority through formal management of changes in the behaviour, movement arrangements. These partnerships involve or death rates of these important management elements such as compliance species. The Eye on the Reef and Marine activities and monitoring human impacts Strandings programs enable Reef visitors and the condition of plants and animals. and members of local communities to help Traditional Owner groups play an important keep an eye on the health of the Reef role in research occurring on the ground by reporting sightings of iconic species, with some groups actively involved in turtle unusual behaviours and injured or dead tagging and tracking programs on their sea wildlife. Following the extreme weather country areas. of summer 2010-11, these programs Recreational users and the community have been especially important. Reports from members of the public about the A key challenge for marine managers lies number and location of stranded dugong in understanding the impacts of events and turtles is providing managers with such as extreme weather on rare or highly an important measure of mortality and mobile species such as dugong and helping to assess the ongoing impact of turtles. However, with the help of people extreme weather on these species.

Girringun Rangers, James Cook University and the Recreational users can provide important Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority are using information on the health of the Reef by reporting satellite tracking to understand how green turtles sightings of iconic species, unusual behaviours, and respond to the impacts of extreme weather. injured or dead wildlife.

Bouncing back: Building the Reef’s resilience 23 Looking to the future Managing the Great Barrier Reef in the wake of extreme weather It is impossible to attribute any single weather event to climate change. However, The Great Barrier Reef Extreme Weather there is mounting evidence weather Program has provided important insights patterns are changing as the concentration into the potential impacts from extreme of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere weather events and their implications for continues to rise. Although the total amount Reef industries and regional communities. of rainfall and the average number of As a result of this work, extreme weather cyclones is not predicted to increase, events are now recognised as an important intense rainfall events (with increased risk to the Great Barrier Reef and the flooding risk) and severe cyclones are GBRMPA has developed an integrated predicted to occur more frequently under response strategy for extreme weather events. a changing climate. Small changes in the strength or pattern of extreme weather can significantly affect an ecosystem. For example, scientific modelling suggests an increase in cyclone intensity of half a category would result in 50 – 60 per cent greater loss in coral cover as a result of cyclones. This highlights the value of learning about the implications of extreme weather events such as those that affected the Reef in the 2010-11 summer if we are to help build the resilience of the Reef to The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most healthy future challenges. coral reef ecosystems in the world but effective management and local stewardship is needed to We can’t control the weather, but we help it cope with climate change. can help reefs be more resilient The recent impacts from extreme weather A future of increased frequency of have reinforced the importance of effective extreme weather events brings greater management of the Great Barrier Reef and risk to reefs from floods, cyclones and highlighted the critical role of stewardship in high water temperatures. It also shortens ensuring its conservation and sustainable the time available for reefs to recover use. Focal areas for the GBRMPA include between damaging events. Reef recovery inshore biodiversity, the Reef Guardians is particularly sensitive to environmental stewardship program and the Reef Water conditions (such as water quality), so Quality Protection Plan 2020 targets. The changing weather patterns mean efforts to Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report, Climate Change Action Plan and the Biodiversity restore the natural resilience of the Reef Conservation Strategy (currently under are increasingly important. Reducing the development) are key documents outlining amount of fertiliser and pesticides entering the future focus for management of the the Great Barrier Reef, minimising loss of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. soils into our rivers and ensuring our fishing is sustainable will all help the Reef cope The Extreme Weather Response with climate change. Through measures Program—a government partnership such as Marine Park zoning, improved fisheries management arrangements and The Extreme Weather Response Program the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, the was implemented by the GBRMPA and Australian and Queensland governments Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to are seeking to reduce non-climate change improve our understanding of the impacts related pressures and disturbances, so the and implications for the Great Barrier Reef is more able to withstand, and recover Reef following Queensland’s floods and from, the impacts of climate change. cyclone Yasi in the 2010-11 summer.

24 Extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef The program was supported by funding James Cook University and the Australian from the Australian Government’s Caring Institute of Marine Science), Traditional for our Country initiative. It built on Owners and Reef industries including existing Reef conservation programs tourism and commercial fishing. of the GBRMPA and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and benefited For more information on extreme weather from strong collaborations with research in the Great Barrier Reef, please visit the agencies (including the CSIRO, GBRMPA website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

Restoring the resilience of the Reef will give it the best chance of coping with the effects of climate change and extreme weather.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2011 Published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority ISBN 978 1 921682 74 2 (pdf) This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of theAustralian Government. While reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.

Bouncing back: Building the Reef’s resilience 25 For more information on extreme weather in the Great Barrier Reef, please visit the GBRMPA website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au